Malta Mosta Church

The most prominent building in Mosta is the Rotunda, a large basilica built by its parishioners’ volunteer labor in the 18th Century. It features one of the world’s largest unsupported domes.

 

Mosta is a small but densely populated city in the central region of Malta. The city has been inhabited since pre-history. Dolmens in the limits of Mosta are primary evidence of this. 

 

The most prominent building in Mosta is the Rotunda, a large basilica built by its parishioners’ volunteer labor in the 18th Century. It features one of the world’s largest unsupported domes and displays a replica of the World War II bombshell that famously crashed through the dome but did not detonate upon impact.

Interesting facts about Mosta

Malta was one of the most intensively bombed areas during WWII

The Luftwaffe (German Air Force) and the Regia Aeronautica (Italian Royal Air Force) flew a total of 3,000 bombing raids, dropping 6,700 tons of bombs on the Grand Harbour area alone, for a period of two years. 

Malta was one of the most intensively bombed areas during WWII

The Luftwaffe (German Air Force) and the Regia Aeronautica (Italian Royal Air Force) flew a total of 3,000 bombing raids, dropping 6,700 tons of bombs on the Grand Harbour area alone, for a period of two years. 

The Rotunda became known during World War II, when a dropped bomb failed to explode, thus sparing the lives of around 300 people. In total, three bombs were dropped on the church – two deflected without exploding, and one went through the ceiling. A close replica is displayed in the sacristy.

The interior is also stunning, painted blue, gold, and white and decorated with rich colors and stunning statues, stucco moldings, and gilded and decorative elements.

There are also eight niches and a bay containing the main entrance and a deep apse that includes the main altar. Not a sight to miss if you enjoy viewing beautiful art and architecture!

Mosta Dome is the third-largest unsupported dome in the whole World

With an internal diameter of  37.2 meters and walls nearly 9.1 meters thick.

Mosta Dome is the third-largest unsupported dome in the whole World

With an internal diameter of  37.2 meters and walls nearly 9.1 meters thick.

 

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